People’s annual watchlists were full of exciting new projects when crypto was in good shape, and investors were looking for the next big thing. According to data from CoinMarketCap, play-to-earn cryptocurrencies Axie Infinity (AXS) and Solana (SOL), both Ethereum alternatives, saw increases of more than 11,000 percent in 2021. Both are currently lower than their all-time highs by more than 90%.
The market downturn, according to some ardent crypto enthusiasts, is an excellent time to acquire high-quality cryptocurrencies at bargain prices. Although they may be correct, if 2022 taught us anything, it was that these assets are risky. Hacking, failure or both can happen to even popular projects. In the upcoming year, I will therefore stick to well-established cryptocurrencies. They stand the best chance of surviving the ongoing market turmoil, but there are no guarantees.
In 2023, these are the three cryptos I’ll be keeping an eye on.
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin is the granddaddy of digital currencies, and its market cap represents practically 40% of the complete worth of all cryptos. Bitcoin has already weathered several crypto winters and, at least up to this point, has consistently reached new highs. There are no guarantees, especially since we don’t have a lot of experience to go on and regulation could change how we all buy and sell cryptos.
Still, some people think that Bitcoin has the potential to become the internet’s currency. Others, such as Cathie Wood of Ark Invest, believe that Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2030. Ark Contribute figures the lead computerized money could take a portion of the worldwide settlement market, assume a part as cash in developing business sectors, and get some decent momentum as a type of advanced gold.
Contrarily, skeptics of Bitcoin, such as Warren Buffett, denounce the industry as a whole and claim that the cryptocurrency lacks intrinsic value. Others stress that Bitcoin is excessively sluggish and cumbersome to work as cash and question whether an unstable resource can at any point supplant customary cash.
2. Ethereum (ETH)
is the second-largest cryptocurrency currently available? It set the standard for smart contract technology, which is a subset of the blockchain’s code. As a result, other cryptocurrencies and projects can be built on Ethereum’s network, transforming the project into an ecosystem.
The disadvantage? Ethereum transactions are slower and more expensive than those of its rivals. Ethereum is currently in a progression of overhauls, intended to make it more versatile and economical. However, it will take years to deliver, and Ethereum may lose market share to faster alternatives in the interim.
3. Cardano (ADA)
is a programmable cryptocurrency that, like Ethereum, lets developers create cryptocurrency projects and applications. Cardano stands out because it is dedicated to testing and develops slowly, which may increase its likelihood of long-term success. Additionally, Cardano has established several real-world partnerships, particularly in Africa, where it asserts that its mission is to utilize blockchain technology to address regional issues.
Cardano, on the other hand, has its fair share of critics. It still lacks the utility of other Ethereum alternatives and has moved too slowly, according to some. DefiLlama says that projects on the Ethereum network are locked in for over $25 billion, while Cardano only has about $50 million.
Buying cryptocurrency in 2023 It is difficult to predict when, if ever, cryptocurrency prices will recover as pundits shift their focus from a crypto winter to an ice age. The assets of many crypto investors are worth less than they paid for them, indicating that they are severely underwater on their investments. A lot of people who bought cryptocurrencies during the mania of 2021 aren’t thinking about which ones to buy; rather, they’re thinking about whether they should sell the cryptocurrencies they already own.
If you want to buy cryptocurrency this year, do your homework thoroughly and only invest money you can afford to lose. Indeed, if the crypto market recuperates, you could be situated for a few sizable returns. However, gambling with money you need for other financial objectives is not justified by that. Before the crypto winter is over, many more projects could fail and crypto prices could fall even further. Limiting your purchases is the most certain way to ensure that this does not compromise your financial security if it occurs.
Last but not least, carefully consider the crypto exchange you want to use and the storage method you intend to use for your coins. This year, we observed that platforms that fail or mismanage their funds could result in investor funds becoming entangled in bankruptcy proceedings or being lost entirely. On U.S. dollar deposits, some exchanges have FDIC insurance, while others have third-party insurance against crime. But if you keep your crypto in a non-custodial crypto wallet, you are in charge and won’t be affected by a failed crypto exchange.
